Systems, devices, and methods for determining hearing ability and treating hearing loss

ABSTRACT

In one embodiment, an audio system can generate parametrically formulated noise signals. According to an embodiment, an audio system can both determine the hearing ability of an individual and increase the hearing ability of the individual by using parametrically formulated noise. According to an embodiment, an audio system can generate parametrically formulated noise having a power spectrum amplitude that is a function of an individual&#39;s hearing threshold across a range of frequencies as measured using parametrically formulated noise test signals.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No.62/482,645 filed Apr. 6, 2017, the content of which is herebyincorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND

The present invention relates, in general, to electronics and, moreparticularly, to audio systems, devices, and methods.

There are two main types of hearing loss: conductive hearing loss andsensorineural hearing loss. Conductive hearing loss can occur when soundis not conducted efficiently through the outer ear canal to the eardrumand the tiny bones (ossicles) of the middle ear. Sensorineural hearingloss can occur when there is damage to the inner ear, cochlea, orhearing nerve. Conventional hearing aids have employed soundamplification to mitigate the effects for both types of hearing loss. Infact, United States regulations define a hearing aid as a “wearablesound-amplifying device that is intended to compensate for impairedhearing” (21 CFR 874.3300(a)).

Sound processing in conventional hearing aids typically involves theamplification and compression of a sound signal. Generally, the soundsignal is received through a microphone that forms part of the hearingaid or hearing aid system. The amplified and compressed sound signalwhich is produced by a hearing aid can be thought of as a “treatmentsignal” which is used to compensate for the hearing loss of the hearingaid user. The amount of amplification and compression which the hearingaid applies to the sound signal is typically determined by anaudiologist who measures the hearing ability of an individual.Audiologists use pure tone “test signals” generated by an audiometer todetermine the hearing ability of the individual. The pure tone testsignals typically comprise pure tone signals at each of the followingfrequencies: 250 Hz, 500 Hz, 1000 Hz, 2000 Hz, 3000 Hz, and 4000 Hz. Thepure tone signals are presented to an individual at varying sound levelsin order to measure the individual's threshold of hearing at each of theabove mentioned frequencies. These measured values are used to programthe amplification and compression characteristics of the hearing aid.

Multiple errors and problems are created by the above describedtechniques, systems and processes. First, because the audiometer and thehearing aid are physically different acoustical sound systems, themeasured values obtained by the audiometer do not necessarily translatefaithfully into the operating environment of the hearing aid.Differences in calibration and resolution between the audiometer and thehearing aid, and even differences in microphone and speakersensitivities from one hearing aid to the next, make it difficult totranslate values from one acoustical system to another withoutintroducing unknown amounts of error.

Second, the test signals of the audiometer and the treatment signalsproduced by the hearing aid are vastly different signals. Audiometrictest signals are pure tone signals having a single frequency. These testsignals are poor representations of the complex speech signals which areprocessed and produced by the hearing aid as treatment signals. Giventhis disparity, an individual's response to a pure tone test signalduring an audiometric evaluation may be quite different from theindividual's response to complex transient speech signals such as theamplified and compressed treatment signals generated by a hearing aid.Thus, further error can be introduced because the test signal does notresemble the treatment signal.

Third, audiometric testing is performed using discrete, pure tone,single frequency test signals. As described above, an audiometric examgenerally tests for an individual's threshold of hearing at the discretefrequencies of 250 Hz, 500 Hz, 1000 Hz, 2000 Hz, 3000 Hz, and 4000 Hz.Calculations, such as linear extrapolations, are made to determine theindividual's threshold of hearing at frequencies between the testedfrequencies. This method can introduce errors when the individual'sthreshold of hearing at frequencies between the tested frequencies doesnot follow the linear or calculated extrapolation. This method fails todetect deviations such as notches in an individual's hearing.

Accordingly, it is desirable to have an audio system, device, and methodfor solving at least the above mentioned problems. It is desirable tohave a single system or device capable of producing both the test andtreatment signals. Furthermore, it is desirable to have test signalwhich corresponds to the treatment signal. Additionally, it is desirableto have a hearing test which can test a band of frequencies instead ofdiscrete frequencies.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates a schematic diagram of an audio system;

FIG. 2 illustrates a waveform graph of a parametrically formulated noisesignal;

FIG. 3 illustrates an example waveform graph of a pulsating noise sound;

FIG. 4 illustrates an example waveform graph of a pulsating noise sounddiminishing in volume over time;

FIG. 5 illustrates an example waveform graph of a pulsating noise soundincreasing in volume over time;

FIG. 6 illustrates example waveform graphs of pulsating noise sounds;

FIG. 7 illustrates example waveform graphs of pulsating noise sounds;

FIG. 8 illustrates a schematic diagram of an audio system;

FIG. 9 illustrates a schematic diagram of an audio system;

FIG. 10 illustrates a schematic diagram of an audio system;

FIG. 11 illustrates a flow chart of a method for determining hearingability;

FIG. 12 illustrates a flow chart of a method for determining hearingability;

FIG. 13 illustrates a flow chart of a method for determining hearingability; and,

FIG. 14 illustrates a schematic diagram of an audio system.

The drawings and detailed description are provided in order to enable aperson skilled in the applicable arts to make and use the invention. Thesystems, structures, circuits, devices, elements, schematics, signals,signal processing schemes, flow charts, diagrams, algorithms, frequencyvalues and ranges, amplitude values and ranges, methods, source code,examples, etc., and the written descriptions are illustrative and notintended to be limiting of the disclosure. Descriptions and details ofwell-known steps and elements are omitted for simplicity of thedescription.

For simplicity and clarity of the illustration, elements in the figuresare not necessarily drawn to scale, and the same reference numbers indifferent figures denote the same elements.

As used herein, the term and/or includes any and all combinations of oneor more of the associated listed items. In addition, the terminologyused herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments onlyand is not intended to be limiting of the disclosure. As used herein,the singular forms are intended to include the plural forms as well,unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be furtherunderstood that the terms comprise, comprises, comprising, include,includes, and/or including, when used in this specification and claims,are intended to specify a non-exclusive inclusion of stated features,numbers, steps, acts, operations, values, elements, and/or components,but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more otherfeatures, numbers, steps, acts, operations, values, elements,components, and/or groups thereof. It will be understood that, althoughthe terms first, second, etc. may be used herein to describe varioussignals, portions of signals, ranges, members, and/or elements, thesesignals, portions of signals, ranges, members, and/or elements shouldnot be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguishone signal, portion of a signal, range, member, and/or element fromanother. Thus, for example, a first signal, a first portion of a signal,a first range, a first member, and/or a first element discussed belowcould be termed a second signal, a second portion of a signal, a secondrange, a second member, and/or a second element without departing fromthe teachings of the present disclosure. It will be appreciated by thoseskilled in the art that words, during, while, concurrently, and when asused herein related to audio systems, devices, methods, signalprocessing and so forth, are not limited to a meaning that an action,step, function, or process must take place instantly upon an initiatingaction, step, process, or function, but can be understood to includesome small but reasonable delay, such as propagation delay, between thereaction that is initiated by the initial action, step, process, orfunction. Additionally, the terms during, while, concurrently, and whenare not limited to a meaning that an action, step, function, or processonly occur during the duration of another action, step, function, orprocess, but can be understood to mean a certain action, step, function,or process occurs at least within some portion of a duration of anotheraction, step, function, or process or at least within some portion of aduration of an initiating action, step, function, or process or within asmall but reasonable delay after an initiating action, step, function,or process. Furthermore, as used herein, the term range, may be used todescribe a set of frequencies having an approximate upper andapproximate lower bound, however, the term range may also indicate a setof frequencies having an approximate lower bound and no defined upperbound, or an upper bound which is defined by some other characteristicof the system. The term range may also indicate a set of frequencieshaving an approximate upper bound and no defined lower bound, or a lowerbound which is defined by some other characteristic of the system.Reference to “one embodiment” or “an embodiment” means that a particularfeature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with theembodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the presentdisclosure. Thus, appearances of the phrases “in one embodiment” or “inan embodiment” in various places throughout this specification are notnecessarily all referring to the same embodiment, but in some cases itmay. The use of words about, approximately or substantially means avalue of an element is expected to be close to a stated value orposition. However, as is well known in the art there are always minorvariances preventing values or positions from being exactly stated. Itis further understood that the embodiments illustrated and describedhereinafter suitably may have embodiments and/or may be practiced in theabsence of any element that is not specifically disclosed herein.Furthermore, it is understood that in some cases the embodimentsillustrated and described hereinafter suitably may have embodimentsand/or may be practiced with one or more of the illustrated or describedelements, blocks, or signal processing steps omitted.

It is noted that while the invention described herein is described incontext of audio systems, devices, and methods, the invention will alsofind application in many mechanical, electrical, power, andcommunications systems, devices, and methods.

Those skilled in the art will understand that as used herein, the termsadd, added, adding, mix, mixed, or mixing may refer to any type ofcombination or summation of elements, signals, portions of signals,amplitudes, numbers, values, variables, sets, arrays, or objects. Forexample, the use of the terms add, added, adding, mix, mixed, or mixingmay indicate electronic addition or mixing, numerical addition ormixing, digital addition or mixing, analog addition or mixing, ormechanical addition or mixing, such as air conduction mixing of acousticsignals.

Those skilled in the art will understand that as used herein, the termsaudio device or audio system can refer to a stand-alone system or asubsystem of a larger system. A non-limiting list of example audiosystems can include: hearing aids, personal sound amplificationproducts, televisions, radios, cell phones, telephones, computers,laptops, tablets, vehicle infotainment systems, audio processingequipment and devices, personal media players, portable media players,audio transmission systems, transmitters, receivers, public addresssystems, media delivery systems, internet media players, smart devices,hearables, recording devices, subsystems within any of the above devicesor systems, or any other device or system which processes audio signals.

As herein described or illustrated, components, elements, or blocks thatare connected, coupled, or in communication may be electronicallycoupled so as to be capable of sending and/or receiving electronicsignals between electronically coupled components, elements, or blocks,or linked so as to be capable of sending and/or receiving digital oranalog signals, or information, between linked components, elements, orblocks. Coupling or connecting components, elements, or blocks asdescribed or illustrated herein does not foreclose the possibility ofincluding other intervening components, elements or blocks between thecoupled or connected components, elements, or blocks. Coupling orconnecting may be accomplished by hard wiring components elements orblocks, wireless communication between components, elements, or blocks,on-chip or on-board communications and the like.

Many electronic and mechanical alternatives are also possible toimplement individual objectives of various components, elements, orblocks described or illustrated herein. For example, software orfirmware operating on a digital device may be used to implementindividual objectives of various components, elements, or blocksdescribed or illustrated herein.

Multiple instances of embodiments described or illustrated herein may beused within a single audio device or system. As an example, multipleinstances of embodiments described or illustrated herein may enable theprocessing of subdivisions of the various ranges of frequenciesdescribed herein. As another example, multiple instances of embodimentsdescribed or illustrated herein may enable a stereo audio devicecomprising a first instance of an embodiment for a right band and asecond instance of an embodiment for a left band.

The inventor is fully informed of the standards and application of thespecial provisions of 35 U.S.C. § 112(f). Thus, the use of the words“function,” “means” or “step” in the Detailed Description of theInvention or claims is not intended to somehow indicate a desire toinvoke the special provisions of 35 U.S.C. § 112(f), to define theinvention. To the contrary, if the provisions of 35 U.S.C. § 112(f) aresought to be invoked to define the inventions, the claims willspecifically and expressly state the exact phrases “means for” or “stepfor” and the specific function (e.g., “means for filtering”), withoutalso reciting in such phrases any structure, material or act in supportof the function. Thus, even when the claims recite a “means for . . . ”or “step for . . . ” if the claims also recite any structure, material,or acts in support of that means or step, or that perform the recitedfunction, then it is the clear intention of the inventor not to invokethe provisions of 35 U.S.C. § 112(f). Moreover, even if the provisionsof 35 U.S.C. § 112(f) are invoked to define the claimed inventions, itis intended that the inventions not be limited only to the specificstructure, material or acts that are described in the illustratedembodiments, but in addition, include any and all structures, materials,or acts that perform the claimed function as described in alternativeembodiments or forms of the invention, or that are well known present orlater-developed, equivalent structures, material, or acts for performingthe claimed function.

In the following description, and for the purposes of explanation,numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thoroughunderstanding of the various aspects of the invention. It will beunderstood, however, by those skilled in the relevant arts, that thepresent invention may be practiced without these specific details. Inother instances, known structures and devices are shown or discussedmore generally in order to avoid obscuring the invention. In many cases,a description of the operation is sufficient to enable one to implementthe various forms of the invention, particularly when the operation isto be implemented in software, hardware or a combination of both. Itshould be noted that there are many different and alternativeconfigurations, devices, and technologies to which the disclosedinventions may be applied. Thus, the full scope of the invention is notlimited to the examples that are described below.

Various aspects of the present invention may be described in terms offunctional block components and various signal processing steps. Suchfunctional blocks may be realized by any number of hardware and/orsoftware components configured to perform the specified functions andachieve the various results. In addition, various aspects of the presentinvention may be practiced in conjunction with any number of audiodevices, and the systems and methods described are merely exemplaryapplications for the invention. Further, exemplary embodiments of thepresent invention may employ any number of conventional techniques foraudio filtering, amplification, noise generation, modulation, summation,mixing, and the like.

It is noted that signal processing can be done in analog or digital formand various systems have a mixture of both analog and digital processes.The invention described herein can be implemented by analog or digitalprocesses or a mixture of both analog and digital processes. Thus it isnot a limitation of the invention that any particular process beimplemented as either analog or digital. Those skilled in the art willreadily see how to implement the invention using both analog and digitalprocesses to achieve the results and benefits of the invention.

Various representative implementations of the present invention may beapplied to any system for audio devices. For example, certainrepresentative implementations may include: hearing aid devices andpersonal sound amplification products.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates a schematic diagram of an audio system 100. Accordingto various embodiments, audio system 100 can be configured to bothdetermine the hearing ability of an individual and generate a treatmentsignal to assist or compensate the hearing loss of the individual basedon the determined hearing ability of the individual.

According to an embodiment, audio system 100 can be configured togenerate a pulsating noise sound 150 wherein pulsating noise sound 150is perceived by an individual to pulsate with alternating periods oflouder volume and diminished volume. According to an embodiment, audiosystem 100 can be configured to generate pulsating noise sound 150 usinga pulsating parametrically formulated noise generator 110. According toan embodiment, pulsating parametrically formulated noise generator 110can comprise a parametrically formulated noise generator 120, apulsating modulator 130, and a receiver 140. Those skilled in the artwill appreciate that there are many receiver 140 configurationsincluding: balanced armature receivers, dynamic speakers, earphones,magnetic speakers, piezo speakers, electrostatic speakers, boneconduction speakers, electromechanical transducers, and the like.According to one embodiment, receiver 140 can be located within ahousing 160. According to another embodiment, receiver 140 can belocated external to housing 160.

According to an embodiment, parametrically formulated noise generator120 can be configured to generate a first signal 122 comprisingparametrically formulated noise substantially within a first range offrequencies. According to an embodiment, pulsating modulator 130 can beconfigured to receive from parametrically formulated noise generator 120first signal 122. According to an embodiment, pulsating modulator 130can be configured to generate a second signal 132 of pulsatingparametrically formulated noise substantially within first range offrequencies. According to an embodiment, receiver 140 can be configuredto receive from pulsating modulator 130 second signal 132 and generatepulsating noise sound 150. According to an embodiment, audio system 100can be configured as a Behind-The-Ear (BTE) device consisting of ahousing 160 for pulsating parametrically formulated generator 110 andtubing 170 to deliver pulsating noise sound 150 to an ear of anindividual (not shown). Those skilled in the art will appreciate otherconfigurations for audio system 100, comprising pulsating parametricallyformulated noise generator 110, to deliver pulsating noise sound 150 tothe ear including: a Hearing Aid (HA) configuration, anInvisible-In-Canal (IIC) configuration, a Completely-In-Canal (CIC)configuration, an In-The-Canal (ITC) configuration, an In-The-Ear (ITE)configuration, a Receiver-In-Canal (RIC) configuration, Behind-The-Ear(BTE) configuration, an On-The-Ear (OTE) configuration, a Body-Worn (BW)configuration, a wireless configuration, a headset configuration, anearphones configuration, a telephonics dynamics headphone (TDH) seriesaudiometric earphones configuration, an insert earphone configuration,an audiometric insert earphone configuration, an earbud configuration, aspeaker configuration, a Bone-Anchored (BA) configuration, aBone-Conduction (BC) configuration, a Personal Sound AmplificationProduct (PSAP) configuration, an audiometer configuration, a telephoneconfiguration, a cell phone configuration, a television configuration, aradio configuration, an audio system configuration, a media playerconfiguration, a hearables configuration, a computer configuration, alaptop configuration, a tablet configuration, a smart deviceconfiguration, and the like.

According to an embodiment, housing 160 may include a battery 162. Thoseskilled in the art will appreciate that there are many battery 162configurations including, for example, removable batteries andrechargeable batteries and may include a pivoting door for removing thebatteries and external terminals for recharging the batteries and thelike. According to an embodiment, housing 160 may include a first userinterface 164. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that there aremany first user interface 164 configurations including: push buttons,switches, rotary switches, rheostats, potentiometers, capacitive sensedevices, touch devices, magnetic sense switches, proximity switches,reed switches, Hall effect sensors, phototransistors, photodiodes,optical sensors, infrared sensors, ultraviolet sensors, microphones,ultrasound devices, wireless devices, Bluetooth devices, motion sensingdevices, accelerometers, Microelectromechanical Systems (MEMS) devices,and the like. According to an embodiment, user interfaces 164 such aswireless devices and Bluetooth devices may connect wirelessly to anexternal user interface, such as a cell phone, computer, keyboard,button, or the like. According to an embodiment, tubing 170 may be thintubing having about a 0.8 mm inner diameter which when brought within anear canal would be minimally occluding and maximize the naturalamplification occurring with the pinna effect and ear canal resonance.According to an embodiment, tubing 170 may terminate with a tip 180.Those skilled in the art will appreciate that there are many tip 180configurations including: wax guards, molds, domes, open domes, concharetainers, ear canal retainers, trumpets, Libby horns, preformed ends,directional ends, flexible tips, non-occluding molds, flanged tips,ridged tips, tapered tips, soft tips, and the like. According to anembodiment, tubing 170 may terminate at one end with an interface 190.Those skilled in the art will appreciate that there are many interface190 configurations including: tubing fitting attachments, couplingattachments, tubing sockets, tubing couplers, molded sockets, removableinterfaces, ear hooks, dampeners, stay-dry interfaces, built-in soundconduits 192 for microphones, and the like.

According to an embodiment, first user interface 164 can be configuredto allow a user to identify the occurrence of a testing event or testevent. According to various embodiments, a test event can include, forexample, the user's perceived presence of pulsating noise sound, theuser's perceived absence of a pulsating noise, or the user's perceivedbinaural balance or equal loudness of a pulsating noise sound in bothears. According to an embodiment, first user interface 164 can beconfigured to allow an individual to adjust the volume of pulsatingnoise sound in a first ear. According to an embodiment, first userinterface 164 can be configured to allow an individual to adjust thevolume of pulsating noise sound for a second ear. According to anembodiment, first user interface 164 can be configured to allow anindividual to adjust the volume of pulsating noise sound for both afirst and second ear. According to an embodiment, first user interface164 can be configured to allow an individual to adjust the volume ofpulsating noise sound for binaural balance between a first ear and asecond ear. According to an embodiment, first user interface 164 can beconfigured to adapt the processing characteristics of a soundamplification device according to the hearing ability or hearingpreferences determined for or by the individual. According to variousembodiments, first user interface 164 can be configured to adjustcharacteristics of audio system 100, or to input information from a userof audio system 100.

According to various embodiments, audio system 100 can be configured todetermine the hearing ability of an individual for a band of frequenciesor for a plurality of bands of frequencies. According to an embodiment,audio system 100 can be configured to determine the hearing ability ofeach ear of an individual separately or both ears simultaneously.According to an embodiment, audio system 100 can comprise a one or morepulsating parametrically formulated noise generators such as pulsatingparametrically formulated noise generator 110. According to anembodiment, pulsating parametrically formulated noise generator 110 cancomprise one or more parametrically formulated noise generators 120.According to an embodiment, pulsating parametrically formulated noisegenerator 110 can comprise twelve parametrically formulated noisegenerators 120. According to an embodiment, each of the parametricallyformulated noise generators can be configured to generate parametricallyformulated noise within a selected range or band of frequencies in orderto both determine the hearing ability of an individual and to generate atreatment signal.

According to an embodiment, parametrically formulated noise generators120 can be configured to generate a plurality of parametricallyformulated noise signals wherein each noise signal can comprise noisesubstantially within a particular frequency band. According to anembodiment, a plurality of parametrically formulated noise generators120 can be configured to generate a plurality of parametricallyformulated noise signals wherein each noise signal can comprise noisesubstantially within a particular frequency band. According to anembodiment, twelve parametrically formulated noise generators 120 can beconfigured to generate twelve parametrically formulated noise signalseach corresponding to one of twelve frequency bands. According to anembodiment, twelve frequency bands can be configured as follows:

Frequency Band 1: Random cycles of 400 Hz and 471 Hz

Frequency Band 2: Random cycles of 500 Hz and 604 Hz

Frequency Band 3: Random cycles of 627 Hz and 762 Hz

Frequency Band 4: Random cycles of 800 Hz and 942 Hz

Frequency Band 5: Random cycles of 1000 Hz and 1230 Hz

Frequency Band 6: Random cycles of 1280 Hz and 1524 Hz

Frequency Band 7: Random cycles of 1600 Hz and 1882 Hz

Frequency Band 8: Random cycles of 2000 Hz and 2370 Hz

Frequency Band 9: Random cycles of 2560 Hz and 2910 Hz

Frequency Band 10: Random cycles of 3200 Hz and 3764 Hz

Frequency Band 11: Random cycles of 4000 Hz and 4740 Hz

Frequency Band 12: Random cycles of 5120 Hz and 5818 Hz

According to an embodiment, bands of frequencies can be chosen so thatthe power spectrums of individual frequency bands do not overlapsufficiently to create unwarranted power spectrum summation peaks ornulls between frequency bands. According to an embodiment, bands offrequencies can be chosen to have sufficient separation so that thepower spectrum during the simultaneous operation of two or moreparametrically formulated noise generators can be somewhat continuousacross the composite power spectrum across two or more frequency bands.According to an embodiment, the hearing ability of an individual can bedetermined for all frequency bands for a first ear and/or for a secondear. According to an embodiment, the hearing ability of an individualcan be determined for each frequency band one at a time. According to anembodiment, the hearing ability of an individual can be determined foreach ear, one at a time, or both ears simultaneously.

According to various embodiments, audio system 100 can be configured toboth determine the hearing ability of an individual and to generate atreatment 124 signal for the individual. According to variousembodiments, audio system 100 can be configured so that the test signalor signals can correspond to the treatment signal or signals, forexample, according to an embodiment, both the test signal and thetreatment signal can comprise parametrically formulated noise. Accordingto an embodiment, the volume of a pulsating noise sound 150 frompulsating parametrically formulated noise generator 110 for a band offrequencies can be tested and determined to be near, at, or just belowthe threshold of hearing for an individual; and a treatment signal 124for the same or substantially the same band of frequencies, which may befor example a non pulsating noise sound, can be near, at, orsubstantially near the same volume. According to an embodiment, thetreatment signal 124 can be generated from parametrically formulatednoise generator 120. According to an embodiment, treatment signal 124can be passed unaffected to receiver 140 through pulsating modulator 130by nullifying pulsating modulator 130. According to another embodiment,treatment signal 124 can bypass pulsing modulator 130 as shown inFIG. 1. According to an embodiment, the treatment signal 124 may undergoadditional processing before being presented to receiver 140. Accordingto various embodiments, additional processing can comprise filtering,amplification, attenuation, summing or mixing with other signals ortreatment signals, and/or conversion to digital or analog.

According to an embodiment, the simultaneous operation of a singleparametrically formulated noise generator 120 or a plurality ofparametrically formulated noise generators 120 can create a summationnoise sound, treatment signal, or non-pulsating signal, which is alsonear, at, or just below the threshold of hearing for the individual fora plurality of frequency bands. According to an embodiment, the volumeof each parametrically formulated noise generator 120 for each frequencyband can be adjusted so as to correspond to the volume at which eachpulsating noise sound 150 for each frequency band is tested and/ordetermined to be near, at, or below the threshold of hearing for theindividual.

According to various embodiments, audio system 100 can be configured sothat the treatment signal 124 is the signal or sound summation of one ormore parametrically formulated noise generators 120 configured such thateach treatment signal 124, or non pulsating noise sound from each of theparametrically formulated noise generators 120 is near, at, or justbelow the threshold of hearing for the plurality of frequency bands.

According to an embodiment, a treatment signal 124 from audio system 100can be parametrically formulated noise contoured to an individual'sspecific frequency dependent thresholds of hearing.

According to an embodiment, audio system 100 can be configured toprovide a treatment signal 124 comprising parametrically formulatednoise contoured to an individual's specific frequency dependentthresholds of hearing where the power spectrum of the contouredparametrically formulated noise can be substantially or generallyinvariant during even short phoneme intervals. According to anembodiment, a treatment signal 124 can be combined with any additionalenergy from any speech phoneme, or other sound or signal, to “activate”and trigger a sensorineural hearing response. According to anembodiment, the parametrically formulated noise or treatment signal 124can add to speech and the other signals received by the cochlea so thatthe cochlea can be activated by faint sound levels and respondfaithfully to narrow frequency ranges.

According to an embodiment, audio system 100 can be configured toprovide a treatment signal 124 comprising parametrically formulatednoise contoured to an individual's specific frequency dependentthresholds to provide an effective treatment for sensorineural hearingloss and/or to provide a supplement or alternative tosound-amplification for the mitigation of sensorineural hearing loss orto reduce the use of sound-amplification to treat hearing loss.

According to an embodiment, a single audio system 100 can be configuredto provide both a treatment signal 124 comprising parametricallyformulated noise contoured to an individual's specific frequencydependent thresholds and a test signal 132 comprising parametricallyformulated noise to determine the hearing ability of an individual so asto avoid changes in acoustic configuration which would requirecalibration and programming modifications.

According to an embodiment, audio system 100 can be configured toprovide a treatment signal 124 comprising parametrically formulatednoise contoured to an individual's specific frequency dependentthresholds delivered to the ear canal through a thin tube, for example,0.8 mm inner diameter, from a Behind-The-Ear (BTE) device so as tominimally occlude the ear canal and maximize the natural amplificationoccurring with the pinna effect and ear canal resonance.

According to an embodiment, a length of a thin tube from aBehind-The-Ear (BTE) device can first be adjusted to the individual'sear geometry because the length of the thin tube can affects itsacoustic impedance and the individual's hearing ability can bedetermined after the length of the thin tube has been adjusted.

According to an embodiment, an individual with hearing loss canself-test hearing ability using audio system 100 and related parametersand settings for audio system 100 can be set or programmed. According toan embodiment, an individual can also reset or reprogram audio system100 to compensate for changing hearing loss, to compensate for changingreceiver (speaker) sensitivity over time, to compensate for changingmicrophone (see, for example 930 in FIG. 9) sensitivity over time, or tocompensate for the individual's own perception and response errorsduring testing.

According to various embodiments, audio system 100 can be configured toprovide a treatment signal 124 comprising parametrically formulatednoise contoured to an individual's specific frequency dependentthresholds and can also be configured to add sound amplification with asound amplification device (see, for example 920 in FIG. 9) which canalso eliminate the need for compression for higher frequency bands.

According to various embodiments, audio system 100 can be configured toprovide a treatment signal 124 comprising parametrically formulatednoise contoured to an individual's specific frequency dependentthresholds and can also be configured to add wireless soundamplification with a wireless sound amplification device (see, forexample 1020 in FIG. 10) which can also eliminate the need forcompression for higher frequency bands.

FIG. 2 illustrates a waveform graph 200 of a parametrically formulatednoise signal 210. According to an embodiment, a parametricallyformulated noise generator 120 (see FIG. 1) can be configured togenerate a first signal 122 (see FIG. 1) of parametrically formulatednoise 210. Parametrically formulated noise signal 210 is shown having anamplitude 220 plotted as a function of time 230. According to anembodiment, parametrically formulated noise signal 210 comprises a noisesignal substantially within a first range of frequencies, generated bytime ordering, in a random or pseudorandom order, a plurality ofperiodic waves having frequencies within a first range of frequencies.According to an embodiment, parameters representing a ratio of durationfor each of the plurality of periodic waves can be selected in order tocontrol the power spectrum amplitude of parametrically formulated noisesignal 210 across a range of frequencies. According to an embodiment,parametrically formulated noise signal 210 can be a time ordered, randomor pseudorandom, sequence of a first periodic wave having a first periodor first frequency 240 and a second periodic wave having a second periodor second frequency 250. According to another embodiment parametricallyformulated noise signal 210 can comprise additional periodic waveshaving periods or frequencies within a range of frequencies.

According to an embodiment, parametrically formulated noise signal 210can be generated utilizing a memory or storage device and a processor.The storage device can store, for example, a first series of valuescorresponding to the amplitude of a first periodic wave having a firstfrequency sampled according to a first sampling rate over a first periodof time. Additionally, the storage device can store, for example, asecond series of values corresponding to the amplitude of a secondperiodic wave having a second frequency sampled according to the firstsampling rate over a second period of time. According to an embodiment,a storage device can store plurality of series of values correspondingto the amplitude of a plurality of periodic waves having a plurality offrequencies sampled according to various sampling rates over variousperiods of time. According to an embodiment, a processor can be coupledto the memory device and configured to recursively make a randomselection between, for example, the first periodic wave and the secondperiodic wave and output a parametrically formulated noise signal, suchas parametrically formulated noise signal 210, comprising the series ofvalues corresponding to the randomly or pseudorandomly selected periodicsignal. According to an embodiment, such a parametrically formulatednoise signal can have a power spectrum that has a generally orsubstantially uniform amplitude between the first frequency and thesecond frequency. Furthermore, the processor can be configured to modifythe amplitude of the parametrically formulated noise signal using athird series of values stored on the storage device which can correspondto levels for amplitude modification so as to modulate theparametrically formulated noise signal and create a pulsing amplitudewith alternating periods of greater amplitude and diminished amplitude.The processor can then output such a pulsating parametrically formulatednoise signal.

FIG. 3 illustrates a waveform graph 300 of pulsating noise sound 310.According to an embodiment, a pulsating modulator 130 (see FIG. 1) canbe configured to generate second signal 132 (see FIG. 1) of pulsatingparametrically formulated noise and receiver 140 (see FIG. 1) can beconfigured to receive from pulsating modulator 130 (see FIG. 1) secondsignal 132 (see FIG. 1) which, according to an embodiment, can berepresented by pulsating noise sound 310. Pulsating noise sound 310 isshown having an amplitude 320 plotted as a function of time 330.Pulsating noise sound 310 is perceived by the individual to pulsate withalternating periods of louder volume and diminished volume. According toan embodiment, pulsating noise sound 310 has periods of diminishedvolume such as between a first time 340 and a second time 350; between athird time 360 and a fourth time 370; and, between fourth time 370 and afifth time 380. According to an embodiment, pulsating noise sound 310has periods of louder volume such as between second time 350 and thirdtime 360. According to an embodiment, pulsating noise sound 310 betweenfirst time 340 and second time 350 can be between about 20 millisecondsand 50 milliseconds. According to an embodiment, pulsating noise sound310 between first time 340 and second time 350 can be nearinstantaneous, zero, or near zero milliseconds. According to anembodiment, pulsating noise sound 310 between first time 340 and secondtime 350 can be about 40 milliseconds. According to an embodiment,pulsating noise sound 310 between first time 340 and a second time 350may rise progressively without discontinuities. According to anembodiment, pulsating noise sound 310 between first time 340 and asecond time 350 can rise in about ½ dB (decibel) steps about every ½millisecond. According to an embodiment, pulsating noise sound 310between third time 360 and fourth time 370 can be between about 20milliseconds and 50 milliseconds. According to an embodiment, pulsatingnoise sound 310 between third time 360 and fourth time 370 can be nearinstantaneous, zero, or near zero milliseconds. According to anembodiment, pulsating noise sound 310 between third time 360 and fourthtime 370 can be about 40 milliseconds. According to an embodiment,pulsating noise sound 310 between third time 360 and fourth time 370 mayfall progressively without discontinuities. According to an embodiment,pulsating noise sound 310 between third time 360 and fourth time 370 canfall in about ½ dB steps about every ½ millisecond. According to anembodiment, pulsating noise sound 310 between second time 350 and thirdtime 360 can be greater than about 100 milliseconds. According to anembodiment, pulsating noise sound 310 between second time 350 and thirdtime 360 can be about 120 milliseconds. According to an embodiment,pulsating noise sound 310 between second time 350 and third time 360 canbe about 170 milliseconds. According to an embodiment, pulsating noisesound 310 between fourth time 370 and fifth time 380 can be about 0milliseconds or greater. According to an embodiment, pulsating noisesound 310 between fourth time 370 and fifth time 380 can be about 10milliseconds. According to an embodiment, pulsating noise sound 310between fourth time 370 and fifth time 380 can be about 0 milliseconds.According to an embodiment, pulsating noise sound 310 amplitudedifferences between first time 340 and second time 350 can be about 20dB or greater. According to an embodiment, pulsating noise sound 310amplitude differences between third time 360 and fourth time 370 can beabout 20 dB or greater. According to an embodiment, pulsating noisesound 310 amplitude differences between first time 340 and second time350 can be about 40 dB. According to an embodiment, pulsating noisesound 310 amplitude differences between third time 360 and fourth time370 can be about 40 dB. According to an embodiment, the amplitude ofpulsating noise sound 310 between fourth time 370 and fifth time 380 canbe zero, near zero, or any amplitude greater than zero. Those skilled inthe art will appreciate that many different techniques and designs canbe used to create pulsating noise sound 310 including differentmodulation envelopes, timings, durations, and/or amplitude differences.

FIG. 4 illustrates a waveform graph 400 of pulsating noise sound 410wherein pulsating noise sound 410 diminishes in volume over time.According to an embodiment, a pulsating modulator 130 (see FIG. 1) canbe configured to generate a second signal 132 (see FIG. 1) of pulsatingparametrically formulated noise and receiver 140 (see FIG. 1) can beconfigured to receive from pulsating modulator 130 (see FIG. 1) secondsignal 132 (see FIG. 1) which, according to an embodiment, can berepresented by pulsating noise sound 410 wherein pulsating noise sound410 diminishes in volume over time. Pulsating noise sound 410 is shownhaving an amplitude 420 plotted as a function of time 430. According toan embodiment, pulsating noise sound 410 can be perceived by theindividual to pulsate with alternating periods of louder volume anddiminished volume. According to an embodiment, pulsating noise sound 410can be perceived to diminish in volume over time. According to anembodiment, a first plurality of pulses (not shown) can have a firstamplitude or first volume and can be followed by a second plurality ofpulses (not shown) having a second amplitude or second volume which isless than the first amplitude or first volume. According to anembodiment, pulsating noise sound 410 can be configured to diminish involume over time between a first pulse 440 and a second pulse 450 andbetween second pulse 450 and a third pulse 460. According to anembodiment, a first pulse 440 can have an average amplitude greater thana second pulse 450. According to an embodiment, pulsating noise sound410 can be configured to diminish in volume over time. According to anembodiment, pulsating noise sound 410 can pulse at a rate of 4 pulsesper second. According to an embodiment, the time between first pulse 440and second pulse 450 can be about 250 milliseconds and the time betweensecond pulse 450 and third pulse 460 can be about 250 milliseconds.According to an embodiment, pulsating noise sound 410 wherein pulsatingnoise sound 410 diminishes in volume over time, can be configured todiminish at a rate of 2 dB per second. According to an embodiment, thevolume difference between first pulse 440 and second pulse 450 can beabout ½ dB and the volume difference between second pulse 450 and thirdpulse 460 can be about ½ dB. Those skilled in the art will appreciatethat many different techniques and designs can be used to createpulsating noise sound 410 which can be configured to diminish in volumeover time including: diminishing continuously, diminishing with groupsof pulses, and, diminishing with different timings, rates, amounts,durations, and/or amplitude differences.

FIG. 5 illustrates a waveform graph 500 of pulsating noise sound 510wherein the pulsating noise sound 510 increases in volume over time.According to an embodiment, pulsating modulator 130 (see FIG. 1) can beconfigured to generate second signal 132 (see FIG. 1) of pulsatingparametrically formulated noise and receiver 140 (see FIG. 1) can beconfigured to receive from pulsating modulator 130 (see FIG. 1) secondsignal 132 (see FIG. 1) which, according to an embodiment, can berepresented by pulsating noise sound 510 wherein the pulsating noisesound 510 increases in volume over time. Pulsating noise sound 510 isshown having an amplitude 520 plotted as a function of time 530.According to an embodiment, pulsating noise sound 510 can be perceivedby the individual to pulsate with alternating periods of louder volumeand diminished volume. Pulsating noise sound 510 can be perceived toincrease in volume over time. According to an embodiment, a firstplurality of pulses (not shown) can have a first amplitude or firstvolume and can be followed by a second plurality of pulses (not shown)having a second amplitude or second volume which is greater than thefirst amplitude or first volume. According to an embodiment, pulsatingnoise sound 510 can be configured to increase in volume over timebetween a first pulse 540 and a second pulse 550 and between secondpulse 550 and a third pulse 560. According to an embodiment, pulsatingnoise sound 510 wherein the pulsating noise sound 510 increases involume over time can be configured to pulse at a rate of about 5 pulsesper second. According to an embodiment, the time between first pulse 540and second pulse 550 can be about 200 milliseconds and the time betweensecond pulse 550 and third pulse 560 can be about 200 milliseconds.According to an embodiment, pulsating noise sound 510 wherein thepulsating noise sound 510 increases in volume over time can beconfigured to increase at a rate of about 10 dB per second. According toan embodiment, the volume difference between first pulse 540 and secondpulse 550 can be about 2 dB and the volume difference between secondpulse 550 and third pulse 560 can be about 2 dB. Those skilled in theart will appreciate that many different techniques and designs can beused to create pulsating noise sound 510 which can increase in volumeover time including: increasing continuously, increasing with groups ofpulses, and increasing with different timings, rates, amounts,durations, and/or amplitude differences.

FIG. 6 illustrates a waveform graph 600 of pulsating noise sounds 610and 612 wherein pulsating noise sound 610 increases in volume over timein a first ear of an individual and wherein pulsating noise sound 612decreases in volume over time in a second ear of an individual.Pulsating noise sound 610 is shown having an amplitude 620 plotted as afunction of time 630. Pulsating noise sound 612 is shown having anamplitude 622 plotted as a function of time 632. According to anembodiment, time 630 and time 632 can be simultaneous. According to anembodiment, pulsating noise sound 610 can be perceived by the individualto pulsate in first ear with alternating periods of louder volume anddiminished volume. According to an embodiment, pulsating noise sound 612can be perceived by the individual to pulsate in second ear withalternating periods of louder volume and diminished volume. According toan embodiment, pulsating noise sound 610 can be perceived by theindividual to increase in volume over time relative to the volume of thepulsing noise sound 612. According to an embodiment, pulsating noisesound 612 may be perceived to decrease in volume over time relative tothe volume of the pulsing noise sound 610. According to an embodiment,pulsating noise sound 610 can be presented to a first ear and pulsatingnoise sound 612 can be presented to a second ear wherein the pulsatingnoise sound 610 increases in volume over time for a first pulse 640, asecond pulse 650, and a third pulse 660 and wherein the pulsating noisesound 612 decreases in volume over the same time for a fourth pulse 642,a fifth pulse 652, and a sixth pulse 662. According to an embodiment, anaudio system can be configured to allow a user to control, via a userinterface, the increasing of volume of a first pulsating noise soundwhile simultaneously decreasing or maintaining the volume of a secondpulsating noise sound until the user perceives the relative volumes ofthe first and second pulsating noise sounds to be equal or balanced.Those skilled in the art will appreciate that many different techniquesand designs can be used to create pulsating noise sound 610 in first earwhich increases in volume over time relative to pulsating noise sound612 in second ear including: increasing continuously, increasing withgroups of pulses, and increasing with different timings, rates, amounts,durations, and/or amplitude differences.

FIG. 7 illustrates a waveform graph 700 of pulsating noise sounds 710and 712 wherein pulsating noise sound 710 decreases in volume over timein a first ear of an individual and wherein pulsating noise sound 712increases in volume over time in a second ear of an individual.Pulsating noise sound 710 is shown having an amplitude 720 plotted as afunction of time 730. Pulsating noise sound 712 is shown having anamplitude 722 plotted as a function of time 732. According to anembodiment, time 730 and time 732 can be simultaneous. According to anembodiment, pulsating noise sound 710 can be perceived by the individualto pulsate in first ear with alternating periods of louder volume anddiminished volume. According to an embodiment, pulsating noise sound 712can be perceived by the individual to pulsate in second ear withalternating periods of louder volume and diminished volume. According toan embodiment, pulsating noise sound 710 can be perceived by theindividual to decrease in volume over time relative to the volume of thepulsing noise sound 712. According to an embodiment, pulsating noisesound 712 may be perceived to increase in volume over time relative tothe volume of the pulsing noise sound 710. According to an embodiment,pulsating noise sound 710 can be presented to a first ear and pulsatingnoise sound 712 can be presented to a second ear wherein the pulsatingnoise sound 710 decreases in volume over time for a first pulse 740, asecond pulse 750, and a third pulse 760 and wherein the pulsating noisesound 712 increases in volume over the same time for a fourth pulse 742,a fifth pulse 752, and a sixth pulse 762. According to an embodiment, anaudio system can be configured to allow a user to control, via a userinterface, the increasing of volume of a first pulsating noise soundwhile simultaneously decreasing or maintaining the volume of a secondpulsating noise sound until the user perceives the relative volumes ofthe first and second pulsating noise sounds to be equal or balanced.Those skilled in the art will appreciate that many different techniquesand designs can be used to create pulsating noise sound 710 in first earwhich decreases in volume over time relative to pulsating noise sound712 in second ear including: increasing continuously, increasing withgroups of pulses, and increasing with different timings, rates, amounts,durations, and/or amplitude differences.

FIG. 8 illustrates a schematic diagram 800 of an audio system 810.According to an embodiment, audio system 810 can produce a sound 820 andcan be connected to, wired or wirelessly, a user input device or userinterface 830. According to an embodiment, user interface 830 can beused in connection with audio system 810 to determine of hearing abilityof an individual. According to various embodiments, user interface 830can be a smart phone, a laptop computer, a computer, a tablet, a lightdevice, an infrared device, an ultra-violet device, a sound device, aclicker device, a button, an individual making sound, a microphone, acamera, a motion tracker, a motion sensor, and/or a remote control orany other user input device known to those of ordinary skill in the art.According to an embodiment, user interface 830 can communicate withaudio system 810 via wireless or wired communication. According to anembodiment, user interface 830 can be configured to enable a user toidentify a perceived presence of pulsating noise sound. According to anembodiment, user interface 830 can be configured to enable a user toidentify a perceived absence of pulsating noise sound. According to anembodiment, user interface 830 can be configured to enable a user toidentify when pulsating noise sound is perceived to be equally loud inboth ears. According to an embodiment, user interface 830 can beconfigured to enable a user to control or adjust the volume of pulsatingnoise sound for a first ear. According to an embodiment, user interface830 can be configured to enable a user to adjust the volume of pulsatingnoise sound for a second ear. According to an embodiment, user interface830 can be configured to enable a user to control or adjust the volumeof a first pulsating noise sound for a first ear while simultaneouslyadjusting or maintaining the volume of a second pulsating noise in asecond ear such that a user can adjust the relative volume between thepulsating noise sounds until they are perceived as equal in volume orbinaurally balanced between the user's first ear and second ear.According to an embodiment, user interface 830 can be configured toenable a user to change or adapt the processing characteristics of asound amplification device according to the hearing ability determinedfor the individual.

FIG. 9 illustrates a schematic diagram 900 of an audio system 910.According to an embodiment, audio system 910 can be configured to testor determine the hearing ability of a user using parametricallyformulated noise. According to an embodiment, audio system 910 can beconfigured to test or determine the hearing ability of a user usingpulsating parametrically formulated noise. According to an embodiment,audio system 910 can be configured to administer a hearing test to auser by providing the user with a series of test signals comprisingparametrically formulated noise and receiving input from the user inresponse to the test signals. For example, audio system 910 can beconfigured to provide to a user a pulsating noise sound within a firstband of frequencies which is decreasing in volume over time. A user canthen provide input to audio system 910 via a user interface at a momentin time when the user detects that he or she can no longer perceive orhear the pulsating noise sound. Audio system 910 can be configured toreceive a user's response to the test signal and can store datarepresenting or corresponding to the user's response to the test signal.Audio system 910 can receive and store additional data by providing theuser with additional tests and then receiving and storing the user'sresponse to the additional test signals. According to an embodiment,data representing the user's responses to tests signals can be stored ona memory device or storage device. According to an embodiment, a storagedevice can form a part of audio system 910 or can be located external toaudio system 910. According to an embodiment, audio system 910 can usethe data representing the user's hearing ability to generate aparametrically formulated noise signal contoured to the user's specificfrequency dependent thresholds of hearing. Such parametricallyformulated noise signal can be used as a treatment signal to increasethe user's hearing ability. According to an embodiment, audio system 910can also comprise a sound amplification device 920. Sound amplificationdevice 920 can comprise a microphone 930 configured to receiveair-conduction sound and generate a first signal 932. Soundamplification device 920 can comprise a processor 940 configured toreceive first signal 932, process the signal, and generate a secondsignal 942. According to an embodiment, processor 940 can be a digitalsignal processor or an analog signal processor. In the case of a digitalsignal processor, an analog-to-digital converter can be used to convertfirst signal 932 to a digital signal. Furthermore, in the case of adigital signal processor, a digital-to-analog converter can be used toconvert a second signal 942 to an analog signal. Sound amplificationdevice 920 can also comprise a receiver 950. Receiver 950 can beconfigured to receive second signal 942 and generate a sound 960.According to an embodiment, audio system 910 can be configured as aBehind-The-Ear (BTE) device. According to various embodiment, audiosystem 910 may also comprise a Hearing Aid (HA), an Invisible-In-Canal(IIC) device, a Completely-In-Canal (CIC) device, an In-The-Canal (ITC)device, an In-The-Ear (ITE) device, a Receiver-In-Canal (RIC) device,Behind-The-Ear (BTE) device, an On-The-Ear (OTE) device, a Body-Worn(BW) device, a wireless device; a headset, earphones, a TDH seriesaudiometric earphones device, an insert earphone device, an audiometricinsert earphone device, an earbud, a speaker, a Bone-Anchored (BA)device, a Bone-Conduction (BC) device, a Personal Sound AmplificationProduct (PSAP) device, an audiometer, a telephone, a cell phone, atelevision, a radio, an audio system, a media player, a hearablesdevice, a wearable audio device, a computer, a tablet, a laptop, a smartdevice and/or any other audio device and the like.

FIG. 10 illustrates a schematic diagram 1000 of an audio system 1010.According to an embodiment, audio system 1010 can be configured to testor determine the hearing ability of a user using parametricallyformulated noise. According to an embodiment, audio system 1010 can beconfigured to test or determine the hearing ability of a user usingpulsating parametrically formulated noise. According to an embodiment,audio system 1010 can be configured to administer a hearing test to auser by providing the user with a series of test signals comprisingparametrically formulated noise and receiving input from the user inresponse to the test signals. For example, audio system 1010 can beconfigured to provide to a user a pulsating noise sound within a firstband of frequencies which is decreasing in volume over time. A user canthen provide input to audio system 1010 via a user interface at a momentin time when the user detects that he or she can no longer perceive orhear the pulsating noise sound. Audio system 1010 can be configured toreceive a user's response to the test signal and can store datarepresenting or corresponding to the user's response to the test signal.Audio system 1010 can receive and store additional data by providing theuser with additional tests and then receiving and storing the user'sresponse to the additional test signals. According to an embodiment,data representing the user's responses to tests signals can be stored ona memory device or storage device. According to an embodiment, a storagedevice can form a part of audio system 1010 or can be located externalto audio system 1010. According to an embodiment, audio system 1010 canuse the data representing the user's hearing ability to generate aparametrically formulated noise signal contoured to the user's specificfrequency dependent thresholds of hearing. Such parametricallyformulated noise signal can be used as a treatment signal to increasethe user's hearing ability. According to an embodiment, audio system1010 can also comprise a sound amplification device 1020. Soundamplification device 1020 can comprise a wireless receiver, wirelesssensor, or antenna 1030 configured to pick up or receive a wirelesssignal and provide the received signal as first signal 1032 to aprocessor 1040. Audio system 1010 can be configured to receive manydifferent types of wireless signals, for example, radio signals,Bluetooth signals, microwave signals, optical signals, infrared signals,telecoil signals, induction loop signals, and the like. Processor 1040can be configured to receive the first signal 1032, process the signal,and generate a second signal 1042. According to an embodiment, processor1040 can be a digital signal processor or an analog signal processor. Inthe case of a digital signal processor, an analog-to-digital convertercan be used to convert first signal 1032 to a digital signal.Furthermore, in the case of a digital signal processor, adigital-to-analog converter can be used to convert a second signal 1042to an analog signal. Sound amplification device 1020 can also comprise areceiver 1050. Receiver 1050 can be configured to receive second signal1042 and generate a sound 1060.

According to an embodiment, audio system 1010 can be configured as aBehind-The-Ear (BTE) device. According to various embodiment, audiosystem 1010 may also comprise a Hearing Aid (HA), an Invisible-In-Canal(IIC) device, a Completely-In-Canal (CIC) device, an In-The-Canal (ITC)device, an In-The-Ear (ITE) device, a Receiver-In-Canal (RIC) device,Behind-The-Ear (BTE) device, an On-The-Ear (OTE) device, a Body-Worn(BW) device, a wireless device; a headset, earphones, a TDH seriesaudiometric earphones device, an insert earphone device, an audiometricinsert earphone device, an earbud, a speaker, a Bone-Anchored (BA)device, a Bone-Conduction (BC) device, a Personal Sound AmplificationProduct (PSAP) device, an audiometer, a telephone, a cell phone, atelevision, a radio, an audio system, a media player, a hearablesdevice, a wearable audio device, a computer, a tablet, a laptop, a smartdevice and/or any other audio device and the like.

FIG. 11 illustrates a method 1100 for determining the hearing ability ofan individual. In step 1102, an audio system can generate a pulsatingnoise sound and present the pulsating noise sound to a user. A pulsatingnoise sound can be generated by a pulsating parametrically formulatednoise generator similar to pulsating parametrically formulated noisegenerator 110 (see FIG. 1). According to an embodiment, the pulsatingnoise sound can be similar to diminishing pulsating noise sound 410 (seeFIG. 4). The pulsating noise sound can comprise a pulsatingparametrically formulated noise substantially within a first range orband of frequencies. According to an embodiment, the pulsating noisesound can pulsate at a rate of 4 pulses per second and can begin at asound level of 85 dB HL (decibels Hearing Level) and diminish in volumeover time at a rate of −0.5 dB per pulse. The pulsating noise sound canbe presented to a user via a receiver, a headphone, a speaker, or anyother sound output element or device.

In step 1104, the user can indicate via a user interface when the userperceives the pulsating noise sound to have disappeared or to havebecome imperceptible. According to various embodiments, a user interfacecan comprise one or more user inputs such as buttons, sliders, dials,sensors, external devices such as cell phones, and/or any other userinterfaces or device.

In step 1106, the audio system can record the volume level of thepulsating noise sound at which the user indicated that the user hadperceived the pulsating noise sound to have disappeared. Thisinformation can be stored as data on a data storage device included aspart of the audio system.

According to an embodiment, method 1100 can be repeated using pulsatingnoise sounds comprised of different frequencies ranges or bands. Method1100 can be practiced using a first ear of a user and subsequentlyrepeated using the second ear of a user. According to an embodiment, anaudio system may repeat an instance of method 1100 and compare theresult to the result obtained in a previous instance of method 1100.According to an embodiment, if the result of the first instance ofmethod 1100 and the result of the second instance of method 1100 usingthe same frequency band as used in the first instance differ by morethan 3 dB, method 1100 can continue to be repeated until a difference ofless than 3 dB is obtained. According to another embodiment, if theresult of the first instance of method 1100 and the result of the secondinstance of method 1100 using the same frequency band as used in thefirst instance differ by more than 6 dB, method 1100 can be repeateduntil a difference of less than 6 dB is obtained.

According to an embodiment, method 1100 can be repeated for a pluralityof frequency bands and for each ear as required. According to anembodiment, the volume of the pulsating noise sound can remain level at85 dB HL for 1 second before diminishing in volume. According to variousembodiments, many different variations, techniques and designs formethod 1100 are possible and can be used to determine the hearingability of an individual. These variations include, but are not limitedto changes to instructions, user interfaces, user indicators, delays,initial volumes, pulsating rates, changes in volume per unit of time,criteria for authentication, calibrations, etc.

According to another embodiment, in step 1102, the pulsating noise soundcan be similar to increasing pulsating noise sound 510 (see FIG. 5). Thepulsating noise sound can comprise a pulsating parametrically formulatednoise substantially within a first range or band of frequencies.According to an embodiment, the pulsating noise sound can pulsate at arate of 5 pulses per second and can begin at a sound level of 0 dB HL(decibels Hearing Level) and increase in volume over time at a rate of+2 dB per pulse. According to an embodiment, in step 1104, the user canindicate via a user interface when the pulsating noise sound can beheard by the user or when the user perceives the pulsating noise soundto have appeared. According to an embodiment, in step 1106, an audiosystem can record the volume level of the pulsating noise sound at whichthe user indicated that the pulsating noise sound could be heard or atwhich the user had perceived the pulsating noise sound to have appeared.This information can be stored as data on a data storage device includedas part of the audio system.

According to an embodiment, in step 1102, the volume of the pulsatingnoise sound can be absent for 1 second before the pulsating noise soundis first presented at 0 dB HL. According to various embodiments, manydifferent variations, techniques and designs for method 1100 arepossible and can be used to determine the hearing ability of anindividual. According to an embodiment, several of the above describedembodiments can be combined. As an example, according to an embodiment,method 1100 can be practiced using an increasing pulsating noise signalsuch as a noise sound 510 (see FIG. 5), and then subsequently repeatedusing a decreasing pulsating noise signal such as a noise sound 410 (seeFIG. 4).

FIG. 12 illustrates a method 1200 for determining the hearing ability ofan individual. In step 1202, an audio system can generate a pulsatingnoise sound and present the pulsating noise sound to a user. A pulsatingnoise sound can be generated by a pulsating parametrically formulatednoise generator similar to pulsating parametrically formulated noisegenerator 110 (see FIG. 1). According to an embodiment, the pulsatingnoise sound can be similar to an increasing pulsating noise sound 310(see FIG. 3). The pulsating noise sound can comprise a pulsatingparametrically formulated noise substantially within a first range orband of frequencies. According to an embodiment, the pulsating noisesound can pulsate at a rate of 4 pulses per second and can begin at apredetermined sound level or at a sound level which is determined by auser using a user interface. The pulsating noise sound can be presentedto a user via a receiver, a headphone, a speaker, or any other soundoutput element or device. In step 1204, the user can adjust the soundlevel of the pulsating noise sound via a user interface and can adjustthe user interface until the user perceives the pulsating noise sound tobe barely audible or to have disappeared. According to variousembodiments, a user interface can comprise one or more user inputs suchas buttons, sliders, dials, sensors, external devices such as cellphones, and/or any other user interfaces or devices. The user canindicate that the pulsating noise sound has been substantially adjustedto be barely audible or to have disappeared using a user interface.

In step 1206, an audio system can record the volume level of thepulsating noise sound at which the user indicated that the user hadperceived the pulsating noise sound to be barely audible or to havedisappeared. This information can be stored as data on a data storagedevice included as part of the audio system.

Method 1200 can be repeated using pulsating noise sounds comprised ofdifferent frequencies ranges or bands. Method 1200 can be practicedusing a first ear of a user and subsequently repeated using the secondear of a user. The audio system can repeat an instance of method 1200and compare the result to the result obtained in a previous instance ofmethod 1200. According to an embodiment, if the result of the firstinstance of method 1200 and the result of the second instance of method1200 using the same frequency band as used in the first instance differby more than 3 dB, method 1200 can be repeated until a difference ofless than 3 dB is obtained. According to various embodiments, manydifferent variations, techniques and designs for method 1200 arepossible and can be used to determine the hearing ability of anindividual. These variations include, but are not limited to changes toinstructions, user interfaces, user indicators, delays, initial volumes,pulsating rates, changes in volume per unit of time, criteria forauthentication, calibrations, etc.

FIG. 13 illustrates a method 1300 for determining the hearing ability ofan individual. In step 1302, an audio system can generate a firstpulsating noise sound and a second pulsating noise sound. According toan embodiment, the first pulsating noise sound can be similar topulsating noise sound 610 (see FIG. 6) and the second pulsating noisesound can be similar to pulsating noise sound 612 (see FIG. 6).According to another embodiment, the first pulsating noise sound can besimilar to pulsating noise sound 710 (see FIG. 7) and the secondpulsating noise sound can be similar to pulsating noise sound 712 (seeFIG. 7). According to another embodiment, the first pulsating noisesound and the second pulsating noise sound can be similar to noise sound310 (see FIG. 3). The first and second pulsating noise sounds can begenerated by one or more pulsating parametrically formulated noisegenerators similar to the pulsating parametrically formulated noisegenerator 110 (see FIG. 1). The audio system can present the firstpulsating noise sound and second pulsating noise sounds to a user. Thefirst pulsating noise sound can be presented to the first ear of a userand the second pulsating noise sound can be presented to the second earof the user. The first and second pulsating noise sounds can comprisepulsating parametrically formulated noise substantially within a firstrange or band of frequencies. According to an embodiment, both of thefirst and second pulsating noise sound can pulsate at a rate of 4 pulsesper second and can begin at a sound level which is above the thresholdof hearing of the user, for example, 15 dB above the threshold ofhearing of the user. The volume of the first and second pulsating noisesound can be adjusted by a user interface. According to variousembodiments, a user interface can comprise one or more user inputs suchas buttons, sliders, dials, sensors, external devices such as cellphones, and/or any other user interfaces or devices. The pulsating noisesound can be presented to a user via two receivers, headphones,speakers, or any other sound output elements or devices.

In step 1304, the user can adjust the relative sound level between thefirst and second pulsating noise sound via a user interface and canadjust the user interface until the user perceives the first and secondpulsating noise sounds to be binaurally balanced or centered betweenboth ears. According to an embodiment, the individual volumes of thefirst and second pulsating noise sounds can be independentlycontrollable via a user interface, for example, the volume of the firstpulsating noise sound can be increased while the volume of the secondpulsating noise sound remains constant. According to another embodiment,the relative volume between the first and second pulsating noise soundcan be adjustable via a user interface, for example, the volume of thefirst pulsating noise sound can be increased while the volume of secondpulsating noise sound can be decreased in tandem. According to anembodiment, the user can indicate that the first and second pulsatingnoise sounds are perceived as binaurally balanced or centered betweenboth ears using the user interface, for example by pressing a button. Instep 1306, an audio system can record the volume level of the first andsecond pulsating noise sounds at which the user indicated that the userhad perceived the first and second pulsating noise sound to bebinaurally balanced or centered between both ears. This information canbe stored as data on a data storage device included as part of the audiosystem.

According to an embodiment, method 1300 can be repeated using pulsatingnoise sounds comprised of different frequencies ranges or bands.According to an embodiment, an audio system can repeat an instance ofmethod 1300 and compare the result to the result obtained in a previousinstance of method 1300. According to an embodiment, if the result ofthe first instance of method 1300 and the result of the second instanceof method 1300 using the same frequency band as used in the firstinstance differ by more than 3 dB, method 1300 can be repeated until adifference of less than 3 dB is obtained.

According to an embodiment, method 1300 can be repeated for eachfrequency band as required. According to various embodiments, manydifferent variations, techniques and designs for method 1300 arepossible and can be used to determine the hearing ability of anindividual. These variations include, but are not limited to changes toinstructions, user interfaces, user indicators, delays, initial volumes,pulsating rates, changes in volume per unit of time, changes in volumeper movement or change in a user interface, criteria for authentication,calibrations, etc.

FIG. 14 illustrates a schematic diagram 1400 of an audio system 1410.Audio system 1410 comprises a microprocessor, microcontroller, orprocessor 1420. Processor 1420 can be used to perform multiple functionsfor audio system 1410 including administering hearing tests to a user ofaudio system 1410, generating test signals such as pulsatingparametrically formulated noise signals, adjusting sound settings andprescriptive programming settings according to the user's individualresponses to the hearing test, calculating parameters to generate a userspecific treatment signal comprising parametrically formulated noise,generating a parametrically formulated noise treatment signal, receivingan audio signal from a microphone, sensor, or antenna, processing theaudio signal and implementing noise reduction and signal amplificationprotocols according to the measured hearing ability of the user, mixingthe processed audio signal with the treatment signal, outputting themixed signal to a receiver or speaker. Processor 1420 is coupled to amemory device or storage device 1430. Storage device 1430 can storeinstructions to operate processor 1420 according to the variousfunctions described above. Storage device can also store lookup tablesand measured data from a user corresponding to the user's responses tothe hearing test. Such tables and data can be used by processor togenerate the treatment signal and process audio signals. Storage device1430 can form part of the same system, chip, or device as processor1420, as is the case with many microcontrollers, or storage device 1430can be separate from processor 1420. In some embodiments, storage device1430 may be located in a separate location from audio system 1410, forexample, on a network storage device or a cloud storage configuration.

Processor 1420 comprises a parametrically formulated noise generator1480. Parametrically formulated noise generator 1480 can generate aparametrically formulated noise test signal 1482 that can be received bya pulsating modulator 1470. Pulsating modulator 1470 can receiveparametrically formulated noise test signal 1482 and modulateparametrically formulated noise test signal with a pulsating noisesignal to generate a pulsating parametrically formulated noise testsignal 1472. Pulsating parametrically formulated noise test signal 1472can be received by a mixer 1460 or can be received directly by a speakeror receiver 1440. Receiver 1440 can generate sound 1412 which can berepresentative of the pulsating parametrically formulated noise testsignal 1472 which can be presented to the user of audio system 1410 totest, measure, and determine the hearing ability of a user of audiosystem 1410. A user of audio system 1410 can respond to test sounds 1412using a user interface 1414. Responses by the user can be recorded andstored as information or data within storage device 1430. Storage device1430 can comprise any type of data storage device, including, forexample, memory, volatile memory, non-volatile memory, RAM, flash, DRAM,SRAM, magnetic, EEPROM, etc. According to an embodiment, storage device1430 can be remotely located from processor 1420 and can be accessed byprocessor 1420 via a wireless communication interface. Storage device1430 can be accessed by processor 1420 as shown with bidirectionalaccess 1422. Accordingly, processor 1420 can both read from and write tostorage device 1430.

Parametrically formulated noise generator 1480 can also generate aparametrically formulated noise treatment signal 1484. Parametricallyformulated noise treatment signal 1484 can comprise parametricallyformulated noise that is contoured to the user's specific frequencydependent thresholds of hearing. The user's specific frequency dependentthresholds of hearing can be determined according to the data collectedfrom the user's responses to the pulsating parametrically formulatednoise tests. Parametrically formulated noise treatment signal 1484 canbe received by mixer 1460 or can be received directly by receiver 1440.Receiver 1440 can generate sound 1412 which can be representative of theparametrically formulated noise treatment signal 1484 in isolation ormixed with a processed audio signal 1492.

Audio system 1410 can also comprise a microphone, sensor, or antenna1450. Microphone 1450 can be used to receive sound input from a user'senvironment. Microphone 1452 can generate a second sound signal 1452.According to another embodiment, an antenna 1452 can receive a signalfrom an external source and pass the signal as second sound signal 1452to signal processor 1490.

Signal processor 1490 can receive second sound signal 1452 and processsecond sound signal 1452 according to the amplification, attenuation,compression, frequency shifting, and/or noise filtering requirements ofthe user. Signal processor can generate a processed second sound signal1492 which can be received by mixer 1460 and mixed with parametricallyformulated noise treatment signal 1484 or can be received by receiver1440, or another receiver incorporated into audio system 1410, directly.Mixer 1460 can receive one or more signals, such as processed secondsound signal 1492 and parametrically formulated noise treatment signal1484, and mix generate a third signal 1462. Third signal 1462 can bereceived by receiver 1440 which can generate sound 1412 representingthird signal 1462.

According to an embodiment, audio system 1410 can be powered by abattery or power source 1416.

According to an embodiment, parametrically formulated noise signal 1482can be generated utilizing storage device 1430 and processor 1420.Storage device 1430 can store, for example, a first series of valuescorresponding to the amplitude of a first periodic wave having a firstfrequency sampled according to a first sampling rate over a first periodof time. Additionally, the storage device 1430 can store, for example, asecond series of values corresponding to the amplitude of a secondperiodic wave having a second frequency sampled according to the firstsampling rate over a second period of time. According to an embodiment,a storage device 1430 can store plurality of series of valuescorresponding to the amplitude of a plurality of periodic waves having aplurality of different frequencies and sampled according to varioussampling rates over various periods of time. According to an embodiment,processor 1420 can be coupled to the memory device 1430 and configuredto recursively make a random or pseudorandom selection between, forexample, the first periodic wave and the second periodic wave and outputa parametrically formulated noise signal 1482 comprising the series ofvalues corresponding to each recursively selected periodic signal.According to an embodiment, such a parametrically formulated noisesignal 1482 can have a power spectrum that has a generally orsubstantially uniform amplitude between the first frequency and thesecond frequency. Furthermore, processor 1420 can be configured tomodify the amplitude of the parametrically formulated noise signal 1482,via pulsating modulator 1470, using a third series of values stored onthe storage device 1430 which can correspond to levels for amplitudemodification so as to modulate the parametrically formulated noisesignal and create a pulsing amplitude with alternating periods ofgreater amplitude and diminished amplitude. The processor can thenoutput such a pulsating parametrically formulated noise signal 1472.

Audio system 1410 is shown in FIG. 14 in the form of a hearing aid,however, according to various embodiments, elements or components ofaudio system, such as processor 1420, storage device 1430, receiver orspeaker 1440, and microphone or antenna 1450, user interface 1414, andother elements shown in FIG. 14, can be incorporated into any audiosystem. For example, the aforementioned elements, components andcombinations thereof can be incorporated into a computer, cell phone,telephone, tablet, television, hearable device, radio, stereo, etc.

In reference to all of the foregoing disclosure, the above describedembodiments enable solutions, improvements, and benefits to manyproblems and issues affecting conventional audio systems andconventional audio devices and offer improved functionality for audiosystems and audio devices.

As disclosed herein, an audio system can generate a test signalcomprising pulsating parametrically formulated noise. Such test signalscan be used by the audio system to test, measure and determine thehearing ability of a user of the audio system. The audio system cangenerate a treatment signal comprising parametrically formulated noisethat is contoured to the user's specific frequency dependent thresholdsof hearing. Such treatment signals can be effective in improving thehearing ability of a user of the audio system who may have sensorineuralhearing loss. Such treatment signals can provide an alternative orsupplement to sound-amplification for the mitigation of the effects ofsensorineural hearing loss.

Parametrically formulated noise can be a purposefully designed andengineered sound signal. As disclosed herein, a parametricallyformulated noise generator can be precisely programmed to provideparametrically formulated noise contoured to an individual's specificfrequency dependent thresholds of hearing. The power spectrum of thecontoured parametrically formulated noise can be substantially invariantduring even short phoneme intervals (e.g. less than 50 milliseconds) andcan allow any additional energy from any speech phoneme to “activate”and trigger a sensorineural hearing response. Parametrically formulatednoise can add to speech and the other signals received by the cochlea sothat the cochlea can be activated by faint sound levels and respondfaithfully to narrow frequency ranges.

According to an embodiment, a single system or device can be used toboth test the hearing ability of an individual and provideparametrically formulated noise contoured to an individual's specificfrequency dependent thresholds as a treatment signal. Accordingly, thisembodiment avoids any changes in acoustic configuration which wouldrequire calibration and further programming modifications.

According to an embodiment, parametrically formulated noise can bedelivered to the ear canal through a thin tube (0.8 mm inner diameter)from a Behind-The-Ear (BTE) device. Accordingly, the ear canal would beminimally occluded. This embodiment can maximize the naturalamplification occurring with the pinna effect and ear canal resonance.

According to an embodiment, the length of a thin tube could first beadjusted to the individual's ear geometry as the length of the thin tubecan directly affect its acoustic impedance. Additionally, anindividual's hearing ability could be determined after the length of thethin tube had been adjusted.

According to an embodiment, an individual with hearing loss is able toself-test hearing ability using the device and reprogram the device tocompensate for changing hearing loss, to compensate for changingreceiver (speaker) sensitivity over time, to compensate for changingmicrophone sensitivity over time, or to compensate for the individual'sown perception and response errors during testing.

As disclosed herein, a system can be configured where a hearing testingsignal and a hearing treatment signal are both comprised ofparametrically formulated noise. The treatment signal can have little orno calibration error given that it is also comprised of parametricallyformulated noise.

According to an embodiment, an individual can repeatedly self-test untilsatisfaction is achieved.

In view of the above it is evident that a pulsating parametricallyformulated noise signal can be generated by an audio device in order todetermine the hearing ability of an individual. Furthermore, the sameaudio device can be used to generate a parametrically formulated noisesignal which is beneficial in increasing the hearing ability of theindividual.

Benefits, other advantages, and solutions to problems and issues havebeen described above with regard to particular embodiments. Any benefit,advantage, solution to problem, or any element that may cause anyparticular benefit, advantage, or solution to occur or to become morepronounced are not to be construed as required or necessary features orcomponents of any or all the claims.

In view of all of the above, it is evident that novel audio systems,audio devices, noise signals, noise generators, and methods aredisclosed. Included, among other embodiments, is an audio system whichcan both determine the hearing ability and increase the hearing abilityof an individual by using parametrically formulated noise. Improvedspeech intelligibility can be obtained, according to an embodiment, bymixing parametrically formulated noise with an audio or speech signal.Parametrically formulated noise can be configured to have a powerspectrum amplitude that is a function of frequency across as range offrequencies. Furthermore, parametrically formulated noise can have apower spectrum amplitude that is a function of a user's hearingthreshold across a range of frequencies as measured using pulsatingparametrically formulated noise. According to an embodiment,characteristics of the power spectrum amplitude of a pulsatingparametrically formulated noise across a range of frequencies can becontrolled or shaped according to a selection of parametersrepresentative or controlling of a ratio of duration of the variousperiodic waves used to construct the parametrically formulated noise.

While the subject matter of the invention is described with specific andexample embodiments, the foregoing drawings and descriptions thereofdepict only typical embodiments of the subject matter, and are nottherefore to be considered limiting of its scope. It is evident thatmany alternatives and variations will be apparent to those skilled inthe art and that those alternatives and variations are intended to beincluded within the scope of the present invention. For example, someembodiments described herein include some elements or features but notother elements or features included in other embodiments, thus,combinations of features or elements of different embodiments are meantto be within the scope of the invention and are meant to form differentembodiments as would be understood by those skilled in the art.Furthermore, any of the above-described elements, components, blocks,systems, structures, devices, filters, noise generation methods, rangesand selection of ranges, applications, programming, signal processing,signal analysis, signal filtering, implementations, proportions, flows,or arrangements, used in the practice of the present invention,including those not specifically recited, may be varied or otherwiseparticularly adapted to specific environments, users, groups of users,populations, manufacturing specifications, design parameters, or otheroperating requirements without departing from the scope of the presentinvention. Additionally, the steps recited in any method or processingscheme described above or in the claims may be executed in any order andare not limited to the specific order presented in the above descriptionor in the claims. Finally, the components and/or elements recited in anyapparatus claims may be assembled or otherwise operationally configuredin a variety of permutations and are accordingly not limited to thespecific configuration recited in the claims.

As the claims hereinafter reflect, inventive aspects may lie in lessthan all features of a single foregoing disclosed embodiment. Thus, thehereinafter expressed claims are hereby expressly incorporated into thisDetailed Description of the Drawings, with each claim standing on itsown as a separate embodiment of the invention.

What is claimed is:
 1. An audio system configured to determine the hearing ability of a user, comprising: a pulsating parametrically formulated noise generator, wherein the pulsating parametrically formulated noise generator is configured to generate a pulsating noise sound substantially within a first range of frequencies, and wherein the pulsating noise sound is generated by time ordering a plurality of periodic waves having two or more frequencies within the first range of frequencies, and wherein a plurality of parameters representing the ratios of duration of each of the plurality of periodic waves over time are selected such that a power spectrum of the pulsating noise sound across the first range of frequencies is substantially uniform across the first range of frequencies, and wherein the pulsating noise sound is configured to be pulsate with alternating periods of louder volume and diminished volume.
 2. The audio system of claim 1, wherein the pulsating noise sound diminishes in volume over time.
 3. The audio system of claim 1, wherein the pulsating noise sound increases in volume over time.
 4. The audio system of claim 1, wherein the volume of pulsating noise sound increases in volume in a first ear of the user relative to the volume of the pulsing noise sound presented in a second ear of the user.
 5. The audio system of claim 1, wherein the volume of pulsating noise sound decreases in volume in a first ear of the user relative to the volume of the pulsing noise sound presented in a second ear of the user.
 6. The audio system of claim 1, further comprising a user interface configured to allow for the user to identify a perceived presence of the pulsating noise sound.
 7. The audio system of claim 1, further comprising a user interface configured to allow for the user to identify a perceived absence of the pulsating noise sound.
 8. The audio system of claim 1, further comprising a user interface configured to allow for the user to identify when the pulsating noise sound is perceived to be equally loud in both ears.
 9. The audio system of claim 1, further comprising a user interface configured to allow for the user to adjust the volume of the pulsating noise sound for a first ear.
 10. The audio system of claim 1, further comprising a user interface configured to allow for the user to adjust the volume of the pulsating noise sound for a binaural balance between a first ear and a second ear.
 11. The audio system of claim 1, further comprising a sound amplification device wherein the sound amplification device comprises a microphone to receive sound and convert the sound to a sound signal, a processor configured to receive the sound signal and process the sound signal and output a processed sound signal.
 12. The audio system of claim 11, wherein the processor is further configured to adapt the processing characteristics of the sound amplification device according to the hearing ability of the user.
 13. An audio system, comprising: a parametrically formulated noise generator, wherein the parametrically formulated noise generator is configured to generate a parametrically formulated noise test signal substantially within a first range of frequencies and a parametrically formulated noise treatment signal, wherein the parametrically formulated treatment signal is a function of the user's frequency dependent thresholds of hearing; a pulsating modulator, wherein the pulsating modulator is configured to receive the parametrically formulated noise test signal and generate a pulsating noise test signal; a receiver, wherein the receiver is configured to receive the pulsating noise test signal and generate a pulsating test sound to a user; and, a user interface, wherein the user interface is configured to allow a user to indicate to the audio system when a first test event has occurred relating to the pulsating test sound and wherein the user's indication of the occurrence of a test event corresponds to a measure of the user's frequency dependent thresholds of hearing.
 14. The audio system of claim 13, wherein the pulsating noise test signal is configured to decrease in amplitude over time.
 15. The audio system of claim 14, wherein the first test event comprises the user's perceived absence of the pulsating test sound.
 16. A pulsing parametric noise generator, comprising: a memory device, wherein the memory device stores a first series of values corresponding to the amplitude of a first periodic wave having a first frequency sampled according to a first sampling rate over a first period of time, a second series of values corresponding to the amplitude of a second periodic wave having a second frequency sampled according to the first sampling rate over a second period of time, and a third series of values corresponding to levels for amplitude modification; and, a processor coupled to the memory device and configured to recursively make a random selection between the first periodic wave and the second periodic wave and output a parametrically formulated noise signal comprising the series of values corresponding to the randomly selected periodic signal, wherein a power spectrum of the parametrically formulated noise signal has a substantially uniform amplitude between the first frequency and the second frequency, and wherein the processor is further configured to modify the amplitude of the parametrically formulated noise signal using the third series of values so as to have a pulsing amplitude with alternating periods of greater amplitude and diminished amplitude and output such a pulsating parametrically formulated noise signal.
 17. The pulsing parametric noise generator of claim 16, wherein the pulsing amplitude of the pulsating parametrically formulated noise signal diminishes in amplitude over time.
 18. The pulsing parametric noise generator of claim 16, wherein the pulsing amplitude of the pulsating parametrically formulated noise signal increases in amplitude over time.
 19. The pulsing parametric noise generator of claim 16, further comprising a speaker coupled to receive the pulsating parametrically formulated noise signal and generate a parametrically formulated noise sound to a user.
 20. The pulsing parametric noise generator of claim 19, further comprising a user interface configured to allow the user to identify the occurrence of a test event. 